A gift made in a will to a person who has died prior to the will-maker’s death.

Obtaining property by fraud or deceit.

The combination of those rules and principles of conduct promulgated by legislative authority, derived from court decisions and established by local custom.

Persons trained in the law who assist judges in researching and drafting legal opinions and orders.

An all-female juvenile supervision program.

A question that suggests the answer desired from the witness. A party generally may not ask one's own witness leading questions. Leading questions may be asked only of hostile witnesses and on cross-examination.

Professional legal services that may be available usually to persons or organizations unable to afford such services.

A recommendation for a sentence less than the maximum allowed.

A legal document issued by a court that shows an executor's legal right to take control of assets in the deceased person's name.

A legal document issued by a court that shows an administrator's legal right to take control of assets in the deceased person's name.

Legally responsible.

Published words or pictures that falsely and maliciously defame a person. Libel is published defamation; slander is spoken.

A legal claim against another person's property as security for a debt. A lien does not convey ownership of the property, but gives the lien holder a right to have his or her debt satisfied out of the proceeds of the property if the debt is not otherwise paid.

Raised preliminarily, such as a motion requesting that the court not allow certain evidence that might prejudice the jury.

Refers to courts that are limited in the types of criminal and civil cases they may hear. For example, traffic violations generally are heard by limited jurisdiction courts.

A party to a lawsuit. Litigation refers to a case, controversy, or lawsuit.

A trust set up and in effect during the lifetime of the grantor.